Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard eyes extended playing career

Liverpool are confident captain Steven Gerrard can continue playing at the highest level well into his mid-30s.

The midfielder, who turns 33 in May, has played every minute of the Reds' 30 Premier League matches this season, scoring eight goals.

The club's head of performance Glen Driscoll believes Gerrard and his team-mates are benefitting from a new training and recovery programme and paid credit to the attitude of the England skipper.

"We had confidence that, if managed correctly, Steven would be able to achieve everything he has achieved this year," Driscoll said.
"Four or five years ago, people were saying it was very unlikely that Steven - with his injury history - would ever achieve this, let alone reach the milestones he has hit this year in terms of playing time at the age of 32.

"It's a credit to Steven himself; his professionalism is second to none.

"Steven has confidence now that he can play at the highest level into his mid-30s - that's fantastic news for Liverpool."

The club's medical department underwent an overhaul when new manager Brendan Rodgers took over in the summer and Driscoll thinks those changes are now making a significant difference.

"We have around 90% availability rate this year with injuries, which is really good," he told the club's official website.

"We've hit all the targets that we wanted to from a medical science perspective.

"We've looked very fit and we're pleased that we've made them fit for purpose.

"Naturally, if you've got most of your players available, it's clearly going to improve the probability of winning games."